Mark Richardson: One good move for openers

Brendon McCullum. Photo / File

The absence of Dean Brownlie and Anton Devcich confirms Brendon McCullum will open the batting at next month's World Cup.

This is a good move because, while Brownlie and Devcich were OK in the UAE and staked minor claims, McCullum's promotion to the top has allowed for the inclusion of Grant Elliott in the squad.

Elliott is a clever player, is in good form and has loads of experience. I feel extremely positive about his selection and also don't underestimate the value of a good dibbly-dobbler with the ball.

The omission of Brownlie and Devcich might represent failure in the mission to find an opening partner for Martin Guptill but the positive is it has forced one of our best players into the role and actually strengthens the middle order.

Tom Latham becomes crucial in this squad as a super-sub.

Surely he is the opening cover. Yes, Williamson could do it but I don't want him stuffed around positionally. Latham is also cover at five, six, seven and the reserve wicketkeeper, not to mention the fact the lad is trying to grab a starting spot. Good luck, son.

The inclusion of Trent Boult surprised me but pleases me. His selection illustrates the need to get good players out but don't forget Mitchell McClenaghan does this, too. Is there room for both in the starting team?

Many people express their bemusement to me at the continual selections of both Kyle Mills and Daniel Vettori. "Too old, move on," they say. These people then raise an eyebrow when I say they are my first two bowlers picked.

Mills' steady approach is invaluable in the first 15 overs, as is Vettori's reliability through the middle, and old heads are a must in big games.

There is one area of the game I worry about, however.

The death bowling, which generally starts at about over 35 nowadays, is a bit fluky. If New Zealand can't make inroads early, the containment of Vettori and co in the middle will mean little as teams go into the late flurry with wickets in hand.

If there's one area the Blacks Caps will be keen to explore over the next nine ODIs, it will be who becomes the go-to guys when the slog is on. If this area is not tidied up, it will place too much pressure on the batsman.

Just as an after-thought, I'm very disappointed to see bowling coach Shane Bond will be leaving the Black Caps after the World Cup but I totally understand the cricket environment nowadays and how the Indian Premier League asset-strips the international game.

Just like his fleeting bowling career, Bond's New Zealand coaching career has been just as successful and again, unfortunately, way too short.